"For example, Duke researchers will work to develop `surrogate markers' for more precise testing of new drugs. Since traditional anti-tumor drugs kill tumor cells, we expect to see them killing cancer cells fairly rapidly," Colvin explained. "But compounds that interrupt other pathways may not kill a tumor immediately, but rather cause it to shrink over time. The endpoint of such treatment is harder to judge, and we need new biochemical tests that tell us if the drug has successfully disrupted the intended pathway in the cancer cell, while not interfering with similar pathways in healthy cells. Targon's support will enable us to develop such necessary clinical measures."
The Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center became one of the one of the nation's first comprehensive cancer centers in 1972 under the National Cancer Act. It is recognized internationally for the treatment of all types of cancer and for its groundbreaking research into the genetic and molecular basis of cancer and for developing innovative cancer vaccines and drugs. More than 6,000 cancer patients are admitted to Duke each year, and cancer patients make more than 100,000 visits to outpatient clinics each year. The center is one of six in the U.S. designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Specialized Program in Research Excellence for breast cancer.
Targon Corporation is a joint venture between Elan Corporation, plc and CYTOGEN Corporation. The company was created in 1996 for the rapid development, registration, manufacturing and commercialization of anti-cancer drugs. Targon is currently structured as a subsidiary o
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Contact: Dennis Meredith
Dennis@dukenews.duke.edu
919-681-8054
Duke University
20-Jan-1998